Summer skin care tips: Here are 5 ways to detoxify your skin

Summer is here in full swing and this is the ideal time to enjoy a vacation, flaunt the amazing floral dresses and enjoy scrumptious seasonal meals. However we cannot ignore the special attention that our skin asks for in summers. Extreme summer act as a foe to our skin as heat from the sub and hot winds cause severe skin damage; hence, skin care in summer is very essential.

A healthy skin not only makes you look beautiful but also acts as a barrier against the adverse atmosphere and microorganisms in the air. The skin also keeps our body cool and hydrated. Keeping the skin nourished, agile and pimple free is not an expensive affair. A little summer care for skin can give you a gorgeous healthy skin.

Below are the top five ways to keep a glowing and healthy skin in summers:

1. Use non-toxic sunscreens:The first step toward summer skin care is wearing a non toxic sunscreen lotion without fail. Yes, our skin needs sun block even indoors. It is very important to choose the right kind of sun screen lotion. You can choose skin blocks according to your skin types, weather condition and the region where you live. However, it is best to stay indoors between 10 am to 4 pm, when the sun is blazing and can have an unfavourable effect on skin in summers.

If you have a sensitive skin, go for a mineral-based sunscreen. People who have oily skin must use water-based sun block. Most of the sunscreen lotions are made of harsh chemicals which will further harm your skin. Below are a few homemade sunscreen lotions for this summer:

For normal skin

100 gms distilled water

10 drops of pure lavender oil

5 drops of pure spearmint oil

6 drops of pure peppermint oil

Blend the mixture in blender and store in a vacuum jar in refrigerator. The lotion can be used till 4 months before stepping out in the sun.

For oily skin

300 gms light body lotion of your choice

6 drops of Clove oil

20 table spoons of Aloe Vera gel

5 drops of peppermint oil

Heat all the ingredients for 5 minutes in a pan keep it aside till it cools down. Blend in a blender till frothy and store in a vacuum jar in refrigerator. This can be used till 2 months.

2. Keep your skin hydrated:

The most important thing in summers is water. Everything goes well if you are well hydrated in the summer season. If your skin is dull and even make up does not help, you are dehydrated. Skin that is lacking moisture will never look healthy; hence, keeping the skin hydrated is the most important skin care tip in summers.

Before taking any other step, drink at least 10 glasses of water (don't cheat). Use a humidifier every night to moisturize the atmosphere in your bedroom. Use a toner which has peppermint and sage content. Sage helps to organize oil, peppermint generates a fresh tingle and witch hazel aids reinstate the skin's shielding coat.

Apart from using beauty products, you can add simple detox water to your diet. There are ample and simple ways by which you can make detox water and gulp it throughout the day instead of plain water.

One of the popular favourite detox water recipes for skin care in summer is a mix of lemon and cucumber water. The recipe is simple-- take 5 slices of cucumber and add them to 6 cups of water. Squeeze in some lemon juice and add about 5 mint leaves. Refrigerate the mix overnight and drink it the next day.

3. Wear protective clothing:

Skin care in summer is not only for your face but the entire body skin. To safeguard the rest of the body, one should always wear protective clothing if exposed to sun. Skin care in summer is a very difficult task but with simple tips, you can protect your skin in summers.

Make sure you have a pair of sun gloves in your purse all the time. Wearing summer socks also prevents your feet from dust and tan. Make sure you cover your face with a scarf and your head with a bandana so that your hair is protected.

Summer is all about wearing floral dresses; hence, you can club your dress with a nice hat which will also act as a protective gear for your hair. Wearing sun-glasses will not only make you look trendy but will also help in protecting your eyes. Choosing the right kind of eye gear is very important as there are many cheap stuff available in the market these days. Make sure you buy authentic eye gear so that you do not harm your eyes in any way.

4. Give your skin a break:

Summer season is all about being natural and light. As the summer kicks off, you do not feel like hogging on food or wearing formal clothes. Similarly, our skin requires a break in the summer which is an essential part for skin care in this season. We can start with de-toxifying your skin by wearing no make-up once a week. You can choose your day according to your plan. Sunday, however is the best day to do so. Take a pledge not to wear even a single layer of make-up and just let your skin breath.

Wash your face with rose water at least thrice a day and just relax by covering your eyes with cucumber slices-- one on each eye. Not wearing make-up will help to re-open the clogged pores of your skin and hence the skin will feel fresh. This will make you look rejuvenated the next day.

5. Use face packs for summer skin:

It is very essential to apply a face pack on your face, neck and hands at least twice a week. Applying face packs will rejuvenate your skin and will remove the dead skin. Make sure you use the best suited face packs according to your skin type.

You can also use basic face packs that are suited for all skin types. Mix one table spoon of curd with rock salt to make an exfoliating pack. Massage it on your face in circular motion, and rub it on your neck and hands. Wash it with clean water and dab it with a clean towel. This will leave your skin soft and supple.

Another effective remedy is using Multani mitti mixed with rose water. Make a paste and apply in on your face, hands and neck. Leave it until dry and wash it with cold water. This will help in opening clogged pores of skin and regular use will reduce tanning. Rubbing mashed over ripe banana on your face, neck and hands removes tanning instantly.